Los Angeles Child Abuse Defense Attorneys

Dedicated Child Abuse Defense Lawyers Protecting Clients in Los Angeles, California

Certain criminal offenses are so highly stigmatized that the public may assume guilt based on accusations alone. Child abuse is one such offense. If you have been accused of or charged with child abuse or neglect, you should not put off retaining an attorney.

Led by veteran defense lawyer Elliot Zarabi, our team at Zarabi Law leverages 60+ years of combined experience to fight for our clients' rights, freedoms, and future. Should you trust your case with us, you can count on receiving support and advocacy from a law firm committed to obtaining the most favorable results possible.

California Child Abuse Crimes

Our attorneys are equipped to respond to allegations and charges of child abuse. According to the California Penal Code, this type of offense is defined as inflicting "cruel or inhuman corporal punishment or an injury resulting in a traumatic condition" on a child.

We are also able to take on cases involving related crimes, including:

• Aggravated child abuse
• Child neglect
• Sexual abuse and molestation
• Child exploitation and sexual exploitation

Ignoring allegations of any of the above is simply not an option. Not to mention, assuming you can talk your way out of trouble is unwise. Prosecutors and investigative agencies are aggressive when assessing allegations of child abuse, and they will rarely back down without substantial evidence presented as part of a strong legal defense. This is why you must have a reliable defense attorney in your corner at the first sign of trouble.

Penalties for Child Abuse

California courts can charge child abuse as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the facts and circumstances of the case, as well as a defendant's prior criminal history.

Should you be convicted of misdemeanor child abuse, you could face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000. Felony convictions come with sentences of up to six years in jail (an additional four if you have a prior felony child abuse conviction) and a fine amounting to as much as $6,000.

The consequences do not end there. If you are a parent or guardian, child abuse convictions can cause you to lose your parental rights and require the involvement of California's Child Protective Services (CPS) in custody decisions. Needless to say, having a conviction on your record may also potentially ruin your reputation, severely limit job prospects, and destroy relationships.

Fighting False Allegations of Child Abuse

While good-faith suspicions of child abuse should be reported and investigated, there are far too many cases in which someone alleges abuse based on very little evidence—or knowingly makes false allegations.

Below are scenarios in which these things can occur:

• One parent seeking an advantage over the other in divorce and child custody proceedings
• Mandatory reporters who, in an effort to legally protect themselves, file a report based on slight suspicions of abuse
• Parents who are angry with their child's teacher, doctor, or coach and want to cause legal and professional damage
• Neighbors making reports regarding a personal dispute they may have just overhead or caught a glimpse of

Even when allegations are completely unfounded, they can still have long-lasting legal consequences and collateral impacts. For example, professionals who work with children, such as pediatricians, teachers, and coaches, could have their entire careers jeopardized by false allegations or rumors of an investigation.

Contact Our Los Angeles, CA Child Abuse Defense Lawyers

If you are facing charges of child abuse, we understand that it may feel as though all the odds are against you. But this is not true, and you are innocent until proven guilty. Our Los Angeles child abuse charges defense attorneys are here to expose the truth in order to preserve your rights as a parent, your standing in the community, and the freedom to live your life.

Whether you face criminal charges for child abuse or are dealing with the aftermath of a false allegation, turn to Zarabi Law. Call 213-786-4055 or contact us online to request a free consultation. We can support clients in English and Spanish. Se habla español.